Dying Star (CD)

Ruston Kelly

Amoeba Review

09/03/2018

Rustin Kelly's debut LP, Dying Star, showcases the range of this edgy Jackson Browne/Ryan Adams-influenced singer-songwriter with sharp and witty lyrics (as on his stand-alone single “Asshole”). The record includes vocals from his wife Kacey Musgraves on the sincere ballad, “Jericho,” and expertly swerves from alt-rock to twangy country to folk. The melodic “Faceplant” shows him hard-partying and remorseful, while “Mockingbird” opens with soaring harmonica that brings Tom Petty to mind.